Gryphon

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GryphonDiablo 300Reviewer Edgar KramerIntegrated amplifier033

Gryphon Diablo 300Itample heatsinking runs mildlywarm, indicating high biasoperation in line withgryphon’s amp ideologY.the coolest of remotes –features a built-in table standand superb ergonomics.034Integrated amplifierwasn’t that long agothe upper echelon ofhigh-end amplification was the exclusivedomain of separatepreamplifier andpower amplifierpartnerships. Morerecently, however,evolved electronicscomponent quality, advanced surface mounttopologies and the benefits of CAD-assistedengineering have all contributed to a streamof high-end products which integrate thepreamplifier and power amp stages, making aconvincing – even seductive – impact in thehigh performance audio space. Strong affirmationof this trend is evident within the pages of ourprevious issue (Audio Esoterica issue #4, Winter2015) which featured several variations of thehigh-end integrated amplifier from various manufacturers across the globe.The traditional approach to the integratedamplifier has been to combine a line signalswitching stage with level control and anamplification stage. Simple and effective. Thatpurist approach is enduringly valid; however,in the 21st century the humble ‘integrated’ hasdeveloped multi-tasking skills. Further dutieshave been allotted in order to simplify thesignal chain and minimise the box count with agrowing number of models now sporting built-indigital-to-analogue converters and high qualityphono stages. The real clever designs, like ourreview subject here, the spanking-new GryphonDiablo 300, features slots that accept the addedfunctionality of optional modules. In the caseof the Diablo 300, Gryphon offers high qualityMM/MC phono and multi-input digital stage(DAC) modules which can be ordered in situ orpurchased at a later date, as funds allow.Devilish beastThe Diablo 300’s heritage harks back to the firsthigh-end integrateds seen in the industry, with apedigree stemming from a multi-award-winninglineage. The original Diablo was considered bymany to be the high-end integrated amplifier.The new model has been cosmetically revisedin-keeping with the Gryphon look (it bearssome stylistic resemblance to the company’sMephisto power amplifier) while substantialcircuit upgrades and refinements have resultedin operational efficiencies and potential sonicimprovements.As the model name states, the Diablo 300is a 300-watt per side Class-A/B DC-coupledamplifier (doubling to 600 watts into 4 ohms andproviding 950 watts into 2 ohms). Its heatsinksspan the entire side panel length, and runwarmish, indicating a rather high bias scheme,something that adheres to Gryphon’s Class-Aamplification ideology as evidenced in its upperechelon power amplifier offerings. Also in linewith company philosophy, the amplifier is a zeronegative feedback design in a true dual-monoconfiguration. And the power supply is rathermassive with a large capacitor bank providing atotal of 136,000 micro-farads of storage energy,flanking a large custom toroidal transformer.Combine that with a low 0.019-ohm outputimpedance and, on paper, you’re looking at goodspeaker control potential. The bandwidth is wideand spans the range from 0.1Hz to 350kHz, whilethe amp’s gain is 38dB.The connectivity count on the rear panelwill allow for any system configuration. The inputselection features two balanced Neutrik XLR andfour unbalanced RCA options (one is configurableto phono if the MM/MC module is installed, andInput 3 can be assigned as a HT pass-through)while outputs include a 12dB subwoofer output(can also be used to connect an additional poweramplifier) and tape out. A 12V mini-jack triggerin/out suite of connectors provides remotecontrol to other Gryphon products and afurther mini-jack input allows the connectionof an external infrared receiver. A ground postis provided. Gryphon’s custom speaker bindingposts are among the best in terms of userfriendliness (tightening ease) and overall quality.A centrally-placed IEC socket rounds out theconnections complement.The front panel is a mix of metal and blackacrylic – another Gryphon style trademark – andfeatures a cross panel that houses the largevacuum fluorescent display. A large numericdisplay shows the volume setting, which ismicro-processor controlled, in fine 43 steps andis flanked by an input selection icon. A row ofsmall green-lit touch-buttons on either sideprovide visuals for standby mode, volume up/down, input selection, system status monitoringand menu access. This last item allows a certainlevel of programming and feature control such

Gryphon Diablo 300well-engineeredpower supplyfeatures a largecustom transformer and multiplecapacitors storage.Integrated amplifieras input nomenclature, turn-on and maximumvolume setting, input level matching, display leveladjustment and more. The Diablo 300 is softwareupgradeable. A superblydesigned remote control‘stick’, for lack of a betterdescriptor, provides standbyon/off, input access, muteand, of course, volume controlwhile a neat triangular standallows table-top operation.Packaging is also areflection of a company’sattention to detail. The Diablo300 comes in a wooden cratefeaturing collapsible wallsheld by a cunning plastic clipsystem strong enough tosupport the substantial weight.Unclipping and dismantlingthe crate is child’s play andallows easy access to theThe Diablo 300’sheritage harks backto the first high-endintegrateds seen inthe industry, with apedigree stemmingfrom a multi-awardwinning lineage.amplifier inside. The package includes a nicelybound manual, white gloves to prevent scratchingthe fascia’s acrylic (this is further protected with aplastic film) and a polishing compound.The Diablo 300 is a superb example ofthorough engineering and peerless constructionquality. Everything about it is pure class, from theblack anodised heavy gauge metal work to thebeautifully-polished and machined black acrylic,to the overall Gryphon-esque aesthetic – astunningly arresting design the brainchild ofGryphon’s talented founder and industrial designerFlemming E. Rasmussen.The unit provided for review was part of anearly Australian shipment and did not feature theoptional phono stage and DAC modules. We’retold Audio Esoterica may be the first publication toreview this significant product.Devil in the detailsSchlepping the near-40kg black mass of metal intoplace was no mean feat, but once it was on an035

Gryphon Diablo 300SpecificationsGryphon Diablo 300Power Output: 2 x 300W(8 ohms), 2 x 600W (4 ohms),2 x 950W (2 ohms)Output Impedance:0.019 ohmFrequency response(-3dB): 0.1Hz–350kHzPower Supply Capacity:2 x 68,000 microFaradGain: 38dBSUB output gain: 12dBInput Impedance,balanced (20Hz–20kHz):40kohmInput Impedance,single-ended(20Hz–20kHz): 20kohmDimensions (WHD):480 x 230.5 x 460mmWeight: 38.1kgPrice: 24,295. DAC module(USB, balanced AES, optical,2 x S/PDIF): 8895. MM/MCphono stage module: 3395.contact: Kedcorpon 02 9561 0799www.kedcorp.com.auIntegrated amplifierisolation platform and hooked up we were readyto go. I ran the amp for three days prior to seriousauditioning and continued to run it overnightduring the first phase of the evaluation period.It’s a rare occurrence where a product makesa significant mark from the get-go. The Diablo 300was one such beast. Few amplifiers – and yes, thatrefers to amplifiers, not just those of the integratedvariety – have profoundly impressed as much asthe Diablo 300 has upon first firing it up. That firsttrack was so powerfully presented, so stronglycommunicated, that I found myself smilingin blissful stupor as I listened. From that firstunequivocal statement and on for the duration ofthe auditioning period of several weeks, the ampexhibited a level of dynamic explosiveness andabsolute control over my Wilson Alexia speakersthat I saw it necessary to recalibrate previouslyheld perceptual benchmarks in those aspects ofmusic reproduction.But as overt as the Diablo 300 was in termsof its dynamic power, it’s not all about brute force.The entire presentation across the importantmidrange and high frequency spectrum wasone of refinement, resolution and superbmicrodynamic detail retrieval.Ergo the classic “Take Five” as interpreted bypercussion virtuoso Joe Morello in his MorelloStandard Time CD. The intro drum solo is veryaccurately recorded and the Gryphon integratedpunched through the entire drum set, fromkick through to toms and on to the snare, in anextraordinarily potent way. This is dynamic powerat its most confronting which, with the appropriatefull-range speakers and the Diablo 300 at thehelm, will absolutely floor you. Guaranteed. Butthen, as the drum explosions subside, the sax andbass accompaniment lead on to fluid and tonallyprecise music with superb separation and deepinstrumental detail retrieval.Renaud García Fons’ renowned bass dexterityand virtuosity is nothing but an absolutevisceral delight when heard via the Diablo 300.It’s exemplary from the lowest depths to theinstrument’s highest notes in terms of control,weight, tonal rendition and transient attack.The cinematic soundscapes of In a Time Lapsefrom Ludovico Einaudi’s CD release illustrated theGryphon’s valve-like handling of tonal colours.This recording is rich with piano, violin andguitar, among other acoustic instruments, andthe Diablo 300’s reproduction of the beautifuland moving compositions displayed naturaland complex midrange timbre, with all theinstruments having a sense of presence both interms of transparent verisimilitude and that hardto-describe sense of body of image gravitas.That midrange kinship with the very best of valveamplification is something rather extraordinaryfor a solid-state amplifier – an integrated no less.Roger Water’s Amused to Death release isa Q-Sound extravaganza and features densemixes filled with low-level information, bothmusical and in spoken word (even distantbarking dogs). The Diablo 300’s resolving powerallowed clear discernment of the minutest ofdetails but all is presented in a natural manner.In other words, some components are ableto resolve incredible detail by featuring, todifferent extents, a somewhat forward or overtpresentation. The Diablo 300, on the other hand,is expertly balanced to sound natural withoutundue highlighting or exaggeration. And all thisis offered in a soundscape of massive dimensionsboth laterally and in the depth perspective.ConclusionThe Diablo 300 is attractively styled withmucho macho Gryphon panache; it iswell-featured, beautifully constructed andthoroughly engineered by skilled personnelin Gryphon’s native Denmark. Its uninhibiteddynamic expressiveness, its superb resolution inconjunction with its midrange beauty and treblesweetness, and its overall musical adeptnessmake the Diablo 300, even at its price, a high-endintegrated that should sell like oven-warm breadto ravenous audiophile hordes.Please allow me to further personalise thisconclusion – a somewhat rare thing for this writerwho seldom risks sounding over-enthused sofar, the Gryphon Diablo 300 is unequivocally, andby a wide margin, the best integrated amplifierever to grace our audio testing and musiclistening environment.036

pedigree stemming from a multi-award-winning lineage. The original Diablo was considered by many to be the high-end integrated amplifier. The new model has been cosmetically revised in-keeping with the Gryphon look (it bears some stylistic resemblance to the company’s Mephisto power amplifier) while substantial